New Zealand quick Neil Wagner who is currently in England along with the national side for a three-match Test sojourn including the World Test Championship Final against India will miss wicket-keeper batsman BJ Watling who has announced his retirement from international cricket after the England tour.
"He's a top man and will be sorely missed in this team. He's the glue and the gel of the team and has been around for a long time now," Wagner said about his teammate from New Zealand.
Watling, 35, would be leaving behind a legacy where he turned out to be the saviour for the Blackcaps on many occasions, including the brilliant double hundred at Mount Maunganui against a touring England in 2019. Wagner, who himself is in the twilight of his career feels that Watling has been one of the great servants of the game and his go-to man in times of crisis.
"I've always appreciated his honesty. He's one of the guys who put me back in line if need be but will also encourage you and pick you up on the tough days. He's always been there for me, whether for plans or ideas. No matter how tired he is, he will sprint from the keeping side, run all the way to your mark to have a chat with you with a couple of plans,” said the 35-year-old Otago Volts man.
“He's been a class performer for this team and he's always seen to be the guy that has done the nitty-gritty sort of stuff well and encourages people like myself and everyone around the team," added Wagner while at the same time not wishing for his wicket-keeper batsman to once again come good at the showpiece event the WTC Final.
But before the WTC Final at Southampton starting June 18, both Wagner and Boult would be up against England in a two-match Test series, starting Jun2 at Lord’s.